Comments on: Perry: Strike Korea Now, Get Intel Later (Updated)

By: MEHRDOOST

MEHRDOOST — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:37:18 +0000

UDMH-STORAGE

By: Luca

Luca — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 18:26:57 +0000

No need to refight the wars here, but the charges of “rigged” tests are generally proved to result from unwarranted hyperbole of opponents or a fundamental misunderstand of what the test is set out to accomplish and how programs like this have to be tested (e.g., transponders for range safety and tracking, data collection and so forth). It’s hard for the press to understand, but some tests aren’t about hitting and destroying a target. Do some BMD proponents often crow about test successes when they should be more measured, sure–but does MDA purposely rig tests to present false data and conclusions, no they don’t.

By: Byron Skinner

Byron Skinner — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 18:19:39 +0000

Good Morning Folks,
First off I would like to thank the people who had the dialogue on Liguid Fuel, I enjoyed and learned much from your dicussion.
That said it appears that the North Koreans fueling of their missile sitting in the upright launch position was a hoax. More detailed photos released last night show two tanker trucks under camo. netting on either side of the missile. A closer look at the missile strongly indicated it is unfueled.
It does appear that the North Koreans do have a sense of humor after all. Back away and look at the scene of the missile and the two tanker trucks under the netting and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the North Koreans are flipping us off.
Maybe there is a message here for all those who take these folks seriously. I think even the Bushies should realize when they have been had.
ALLONS,
Byron Skinner

By: Barry

Barry — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 17:29:39 +0000

Luca: "People not versed in the minutae of the BMD debate should understand where many of these comments come from. Just as some proponents may have a 'blind faith' in technology, many missile defense opponents have their snark rooted in theological hostility to BMD because it's not their arms control preference, it's seen as "Republican" and so forth. Citing large spending numbers without the context of year-to-year programmatic and policy battles, micromanaging via legislation, etc. provides no real light or resolution on the wisdom of BMD, all it produces are knowing head-bobs from the anti-BMD ideologues." Luca, aside from the AP story noted above, we've seen 20 years and $60 billion poured into missile defense. The current status is that the tests are rigged to the gills (GPS transponders, decoys designed not to be confused with the warhead, etc.). Not that the fakers will admit that up-front - they brag about a successful test, and then spin away the reality later, once it's revealed. Some people compare what we were promised, with what's proven, decades and much cash later, and don't trust BMD proponents. Personally, I think that the proposals to attack the launch site are telling - if we had anything worth a d*mn, we'd shoot the missile down inflight. But I guess that we don't want to risk that sort of failure.

By: Luca

Luca — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 16:16:49 +0000

People not versed in the minutae of the BMD debate should understand where many of these comments come from. Just as some proponents may have a ‘blind faith’ in technology, many missile defense opponents have their snark rooted in theological hostility to BMD because it’s not their arms control preference, it’s seen as “Republican” and so forth. Citing large spending numbers without the context of year-to-year programmatic and policy battles, micromanaging via legislation, etc. provides no real light or resolution on the wisdom of BMD, all it produces are knowing head-bobs from the anti-BMD ideologues.

By: Francis

Francis — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 22:10:20 +0000

Matthew,
While you’re right that the Titan II used storable fuels, they were actually Aerozine-50 and nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4). Aerozine is a 50–50 mix of hydrazine and unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (UDMH). RP-1 and LOX were used on the Titan I.

By: sglover

sglover — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 21:48:12 +0000

And, quite frankly, I really doubt the reputation of American intelligence can sink that much lower.
Well, Cheney sounds as well-informed as ever.…
On to more serious things: I have it on good authority that there’s a sullen Latvian who’s putting a pipe bomb together. Crank up the B-2’s, pronto!
By the way, love the “Norks” term. Are they gonna be in a Spielberg movie?

By: Bruce

Bruce — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:48:16 +0000

If they want to stage a hoax then they must be prepared for the consequences of it actually passing as believable.

By: Carlos

Carlos — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:13:08 +0000

Sure, what the hell, Americans are so hated in most of the world…what difference will it make to trash some No. Koreans. You can’t hardly travel anywhere anymore without fear. Let’s become the ultimate bully on the block. USA..the eventual lonely, isolated, impotent country that “coulda been a contender” in true world leadership…what a waste. Let’s dig ourselves deeper into a hole.

By: Sarge

Sarge — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:52:04 +0000

Mr. President, I’m not saying we wouldn’t get our hair mussed. But I do say no more than ten to twenty million killed, tops. Uh, depending on the breaks.
General “Buck” Turgidson